Not only is January the first month of the new year, but it's also a month full of television shows coming back! Whether it's returning from a mid-season break, or just starting a new season of the show, there are plenty of shows to enjoy during the beginning of 2017. Unlike movies, television shows are a fun way to watch stories play out throughout a course of a couple months. There are tons of shows returning in the beginning of the year, including, but definitely not limited to Arrow, Shadowhunters, Sherlock, The Flash, The 100, and many other popular ones.

Arrow is a show that originally aired back in 2012 on the CW. The story is based off of DC Comics and their character Oliver Queen, who secretly doubles as the vigilante of Star City, the Green Arrow. Throughout the series, Oliver Queen must face many different obstacles and enemies so that he can survive and keep those he loves safe. The show is returning this January, after a mid-season break, on the 25th. The episode is entitled "Who Are You?", and judging by the end of the last episode before the break, it's bound to be good.

Additionally, a show that is actually starting its new season has the first episode coming out only a day after New Year's. This show is Shadowhunters, and if you've read The Mortal Instruments books, you already know what the TV show is about. It follows the life of a girl named Clary Fray as she slowly uncovers the truth about herself and her world. The book series was written by Cassandra Clare, and originally turned into a movie called City of Bones. Rather than receive a sequel to the movie, that wasn't as cherished as expected, the book was then turned into the television series Shadowhunters, and started its show on Freeform just last year. If you're a huge fan of the books and have yet to watch the series, I would suggest you do! Although it may not be exactly like the books, it's still enjoyable to watch, and its next season will likely be just as good as the first. If you have not read the books, and are looking for a good television series to start, this is definitely a good choice, too. Episode one of the second season comes out on January 2, 2017.

The show Sherlock is a very widely talked about one that is loved by many. The show is based off the original books of Sherlock Holmes written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Unlike most other television series, the Sherlock series comes out with only a couple episodes per season. The last episode was exactly a year ago, and fans are obviously excited for the next episode coming out on January 1, 2017 at nine at night. Although, I'll admit, I haven't personally watched Sherlock, I've heard amazing reviews about it from nearly everyone I know.

The Flash is a show that is much like Arrow, because the two take place in the same DC Universe. This show premiered after Arrow, and since then, has had many crossovers with the other superhero show. The most recent of these crossovers was one named "Invasion!" which also included characters from the shows Supergirl and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. The Flash covers the story of Barry Allen and how he gains super-speed, and then most use it to help his city. The return of this show is set for January 24th, just a day before Arrow. This show is a good one to watch, especially if you already watch Arrow.

Last, but certainly not least, is the popular TV show, also on the CW, that calls itself The 100. The show is going to have its fourth season premiere on February 1st after a nearly nine month break. I would completely recommend this show to anyone, mainly because I'll admit it's my favorite. The show is about a post-apocalyptic world where the people were forced to live in a space ship in a sky after the world was devastated by nuclear apocalypse. It starts off with one hundred juvenile delinquents being sent down to earth to see if it's still habitable, and ends up getting very intense with the main characters facing impossible tasks and struggles. Just recently, the trailer for season four was released, and it looks like season four will be really good.

Overall, there are tons of shows to watch in the beginning of 2017, and a lot of good ones, too. It definitely could be the time to pick up a new show to watch. All of these shows are amazing, and I'm sure everyone is really excited for whatever show they love to return, as early in the year tends to be the time for returning shows to reappear!